The Hazards of Asbestos In Your Home or Building

August 3, 2018

dominickciccarelli

The majority of homes in New York City are old, i.e. they were built before the 1980s. According to researchers, 80% of homes in NYC contain asbestos. While the presence of asbestos has been regulated since it’s hazardous effects came into light, a majority of homes still contain asbestos.
Dominick Ciccarelli, a licensed contractor with Department of Buildings, debunks the myth that only those who work in construction get affected by asbestos.

Why is asbestos detrimental to health?

The exposure to asbestos is extremely deadly. Asbestos is a carcinogenic material that has been linked with mesothelioma along with other deadly diseases. Due to its dangerous properties, it becomes important for homeowners to understand spaces where asbestos can be found and how its effects can be reduced for the occupants of the property.

Common residential property locations where asbestos can be found

Before the regulation of asbestos, it was the most common element in construction, especially in home insulation. However, it is also present in numerous other construction areas. Common places where asbestos can be found are:

Attic & Exteriors

Concrete

Fiberboard

Insulation (roll, spray, “popcorn,” etc.)

Roofing Tiles

Shingles

Siding

Basements

Cement

HVAC duct insulation

Pipe insulation

Furnaces

Stoves (wood, coal, etc.)

Ventilation insulation areas

Water heaters

Main Living Areas

Caulking

Decorative textures

Floor and ceiling tiles

Joint compounds

Lighting fixtures

Linoleum

Paint

Plaster

Window glaze

The presence of asbestos is especially prominent in homes built before or in 1980. In addition, areas renovated after 1980 are also extremely likely to contain asbestos. The presence of asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed. When broken, the asbestos can quickly become airborne. If there is asbestos in your home that is enclosed or unbroken, then you are safe. However, if the asbestos is fractured, then you might want to get your family out of the property.

Asbestos expert Dominick Ciccarelli advises homeowners to consult the state and federal regulations about how asbestos must be handled. The homeowners also need to follow certain regulations and safety measures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the property.